QA

Question: How To Lubricate Plastic Moving Parts

What is the best lubricant for plastic parts?

Lubricants based on silicone, perfluorinated PFAE, mineral oils, and synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO), typically work well with plastics. Esters and polyglycols are generally not compatible with plastic, although there are exceptions based on the type of plastic material.

What lubricant can I use on plastic?

Silicone and PFPE are generally safe with all plastics. Synthetic hydrocarbons and mineral oils are usually compatible with most plastics, though high and low operating temperatures may rule out mineral oils.

Does WD-40 lubricate plastic?

WD-40 Specialist® Silicone Lubricant safely lubricates, waterproofs and protects metal and non-metal surfaces such as rubber, plastic and vinyl. This formula dries fast and leaves a clear, non-staining film that doesn’t stick or make a mess, so it won’t attract dirt.

Can Vaseline be used on plastic?

Petroleum jelly can attack hydrocarbon plastics but cannot dissolve them immediately. Petroleum jelly is slightly soluble in alcohol. To avoid damage to plastic and minimize ventilation issues, isopropyl (rubbung) alcohol can be used to remove or dissolve petroleum jelly.

Can you use silicone spray on plastic?

Does silicone spray damage plastic? No, silicone sprays won’t damage plastic. They actually work very well to lubricate and protect plastic surfaces.

Does WD-40 damage plastic?

WD-40 can be used on just about everything. It is safe for metal, rubber, wood and plastic. WD-40 can be applied to painted metal surfaces without harming the paint. Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic are among the few surfaces on which to avoid using a petroleum-based product like WD-40.

Can you lubricate plastic gears?

Most plastic gears are capable of running without lubrication or can be embedded with lubricating materials (such as graphite, silicone, or PTFE). However, some operating conditions benefit from, or even require, lubrication.

Is Lithium Grease safe for plastic?

Lithium-based lubricants are used in cars and machinery in general. It’s not advisable to use them on plastic parts. As lithium is based on petroleum, it tends to speed up rubber and plastic components decay.

Will WD-40 shine plastic?

Simply spray onto the area you want to clean and scrub a little with a rag until the plastic surface looks clean. As an added bonus, you can also use WD-40 to polish plastic surfaces on your car. Whether they’re a black or chrome finish, they’ll look as shiny as they did in the showroom.

What grease is good for plastic gears?

The best grease for plastic gears is generally white high-temperature grease or high-viscosity silicone grease.

Can you use Vaseline instead of silicone grease?

Vaseline and any oil base grease will break down the Nitrile Butadiene Rubber in 6 months to a year. Oils, like olive oil or WD40 or 3-in-1 oils are too thin and will not stay in place for long at all. There is NO suitable substitute for Silicone Grease.

How do you lubricate plastic threads?

your choices: soapy water – will make it easier to assemble and remain hard to dis-assemble. Silicone spray – is a good lubricant to use, since it is fairly non-reactive and effective. Petroleum jelly – this is also good.. but will stick to everything and will get on your hands.

When should you not use silicone lubricant?

Use silicone to lubricate metal, wood, rubber and plastic. However, dust and dirt stick to silicone, so use it sparingly or use a “dry” version in dirty environments. The biggest downside to silicone spray lubricant is that once you apply it to an object, you can never paint or stain it.

Is silicone spray the same as silicone oil?

Silicone lubricant can be used in the forms of an oil, which is non-reactive to most substances, maintains it’s greasiness in extreme temperature conditions and does not oxidize, or a silicone spray which is not only water resistant, but also allows you to lubricate those hard to reach places like mechanisms or.

Is silicone spray same as WD-40?

No WD-40 is a petroleum-based penetrating oil silicone spray is silicone the two chemicals are not related silicone is useful in areas like door tracks and on your dresser drawers where you don’t want the stench of petroleum solvent all over the place.

What should you not use WD-40 on?

But Don’t Spray It On: Door hinges. Sure, WD-40 will stop the squeaking, but it also attracts dust and dirt. Bike chains. WD-40 can cause dirt and dust to stick to a chain. Paintball guns. WD-40 can melt the seals in the guns. Locks. iPods and iPads.

Is WD-40 slippery?

Solution: Use a graphite powder, designed to stay slippery and made especially for locks. Rubik’s Cube: WD-40 is not a lubricant, it’s a solvent. Using WD-40 on some plastics can cause them to break down or melt.

Is lithium grease good for plastic gears?

Answer: If you plan on using this on Plastic gears for an AC actuator, This would be exactly what you need. It is a great lubricant without the oily mess dripping and only needs to be applied before ever needing a reapply. This Lithium grease is great for applying and forgetting.

Which is better silicone or lithium grease?

Because lithium grease is petroleum based, it’s not recommended for use around plastics and rubber where it’ll cause these to prematurely fail. Silicone grease, on the other hand, works better in low temperature, low stress applications around plastics and rubber.

Is wd40 white lithium grease safe for plastic?

White lithium grease demonstrates excellent adhesion to metal and is perfect for lubricating metal on metal surfaces. It performs excellently on rubber, but it is also very effective on surfaces made from plastic, metal, wood, and other materials.